What happens upon the appointment of a Standby Guardian?

The appointment of a Standby Guardian is effective immediately upon the incapacitation of the guardian. This means that when the original guardian is unable to fulfill their responsibilities due to incapacity, the Standby Guardian automatically assumes the role without the need for a new court hearing. This process is designed to ensure a smooth transition of guardianship responsibilities and provides continuity of care for the ward.

For individuals involved in guardianship, this mechanism allows for a pre-determined support system in place, eliminating delays that could occur if the new guardian had to go through the appointment process after the original guardian becomes incapacitated. This is particularly important in scenarios where immediate decisions regarding the ward's care or wellbeing are necessary.

The requirement for a new court hearing, the ward's agreement to the Standby Guardian's authority, and the necessity for the Standby Guardian to take an oath before serving are not standard components of the Standby Guardianship process, making the immediate effectiveness of the appointment upon the original guardian's incapacity the correct answer.